Sloth bears Randy and Tasha will make their final appearance at Woodland Park Zoo before new exhibit construction begins.

Rendering credit: Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo

SEATTLE -- September 15-16 marks the final weekend to view the sloth bears at Woodland Park Zoo before construction begins for the new Asian tropical forest exhibit.

Randy, the 16-year-old male sloth bear, came to the zoo in June of 1996. Tasha, a 7-year-old female, has lived at Woodland Park Zoo for just under a year. She made her move in October 2011 under a breeding recommendation by the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for sloth bears.

Sloth bears – native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka – are an endangered species. Fewer than 10,000 remain in the wild. Their survival is challenged by fragmented populations, deforestation and the bear parts trade. Sloth bears are very rare in zoos, with fewer than 50 currently living in North American zoos.

The two sloth bears will remain off exhibit during the construction of the new, 2-acre exhibit complex that will feature Malayan tigers and Asian small-clawed otters in addition to the sloth bears. The zoo’s last Sumatran tiger passed away in August from age-related health problems. The tiger exhibit will also be reconstructed to accommodate Malayan tigers in 2014.

Designed by Bainbridge Island-based architects Studio Hanson/Roberts, the id="mce_marker"9.6 million exhibit project, the final and most ambitious initiative of the zoo’s $80 million More Wonder More Wild Campaign, will transform the 60-year-old, outdated infrastructure that tigers and sloth bears currently inhabit at the zoo into a spacious, naturalistic exhibit environment. The transformation will improve the exhibit experience for the zoo’s animals, visitors and staff, and will reduce resource consumption with sustainable design.

The exhibits are expected to open in two phases, with construction beginning this month. Phase 1 is scheduled to open in 2013 and will feature small-clawed otters and a kids’ nature play area. Phase 2, anticipated to open in 2014, will spotlight endangered Malayan tigers and sloth bears.

Modeled on the theme “Sharing the Forest: People are the Conservation Solution,” the new exhibit complex will empower and inspire visitors with up-close animal encounters, hands-on learning and links to meaningful conservation actions visitors can take to build a better future for wildlife.

“Fundraising for the Asian Tropical Forest initiative is going strong,” said Dr. Deborah Jensen, WPZ President and CEO. “With Phase 1 funding now completed, the zoo’s board and campaign volunteers are working hard to raise the remaining id="mce_marker"1 million to complete Phase 2. Every gift makes a difference, and community members can help make a new home for these animals a reality.”

Through the zoo’s “Get Your Paws on Our New Exhibit” promotion, those who donate id="mce_marker",000 or more to the Asian Tropical Forest initiative will get their name on a permanent paw print featured prominently at the entrance to the new exhibit complex.

To order a paw, or to follow the progress of the More Wonder More Wild comprehensive campaign, go to www.morewonder.org.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting international standards for zoos in animal care, conservation and education programs. Woodland Park Zoo is helping to save animals and their habitats in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. By inspiring people to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future. For more information, visit www.zoo.org.

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Woodland Park Zoo saves animals and their habitats through conservation leadership and engaging experiences, inspiring people to learn, care and act.